Red Doors, Irish Traditions & Being Beautifully Prepared

I’ve kept a beautiful collection of red door photos, just waiting for an opportunity to post them.  Red happens to be a favorite color of mine.  To me, it’s lively and spirited and it brings a smile to my face whenever and wherever I see it! 

When Irish traditions are mentioned, the color green is usually one of the first hues which springs to mind.  After all, we always speak of the “Wearing of the Green” for St. Patrick’s Day.  Did you know, in Irish folklore, it is thought that painting ones door in red also keeps away bad luck and evil spirits?  There are also many other spiritual references to indicate safety will lie behind this painted door . . . that a type of shelter will be provided, of which one will be welcomed to share.

As I was planning to post this pictorial, (and for an entirely different reason), the devastating earthquake in Japan was weighing heavily on my heart and my mind.  I kept wondering how I could share an article about doors, (which might seem to be a bit frivolous), given what had just happened?  Within the doors images, something kept resonating.  Call it a symbolic moment.

 This is what appeared . . . .

I couldn’t think of a better source to offer others a shelter from life’s storms.  Not only does The Red Cross reach out in times of great need, they also have created a wonderful series of lists to help us anticipate being better prepared for what might come our way.  Did you know the American Red Cross is the only humanitarian organization with a Congressional charter to provide relief to victims of disasters and to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies?

Behind each door, you’ll find the tools you’ll need to guide you through different emergencies.  (And you can also go to their website to find more information for other preparedness lists.)

            

Be Red Cross Ready       Earthquake Safety         Tsunami Safety

                

Pets & Disaster Tips       Flood Safety                  Power Outage

You may have stopped by to read a post about interior design and to see beautiful images. I usually try to share posts on how you can live a more beautiful life and to “Love the Home You’re In”. 

We can’t always plan for the Luck of the Irish . . . but a little preparation might just see us through.  To me, there’s nothing more beautiful than that!    

Sending my thoughts and prayers to Japan and beyond. ~ Wanda

(If you are able, please donate to your American Red Cross Chapter.  They will honor your donation by directing your funds in the manner you so chose.  You can even be a Hero!)

A Forever Home For A Sweetheart

If you don’t know my friend, Marcy Feld, you should take the time to visit the lovely blog she writes for the business she shares with her husband, Irwin, at Irwin Feld Design.  Even though she features some fantastic pieces of furniture and accents, from their Mid-Century Modern gallery, her posts delve much deeper than the pieces you might find to grace your interiors.  She touches you with her charm, her kindness and her musings about what is most important in living a beautiful life.  As another friend of mine might say, “She’s lived long enough to understand.”

(Irwin Feld Design - Everyone Loves A Snow Day – Holiday House 2010)

One of the things I admire about Marcy is her involvement in her local community and the desire to make it a better place for others.  Marcy, (along with Irwin), is a great advocate for her local Susan G. Komen chapter.  Irwin Feld Design has created outstanding rooms to benefit The Cure through the NYC Holiday House.  When you know you are helping others, it’s easy to raise your hand to participate.  At least that’s how Irwin and Marcy see it.

In fact, they decided to go one step further and are offering this Pretty in Pink For Life Bench for sale.  It originated when they were asked to host New England Home Connecticut’s fall networking event in the gallery, this past October. With a gathering of some of Fairfield County’s (and beyond) “Best & Brightest” during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they decided to use the event to raise awareness as well as funds for Komen for the Cure - Connecticut.

The little sweetheart of a bench has been waiting for some special person to place it in its “forever home”.  I wanted to help the Felds spread the word, in the hope that someone would fall in love with its pink, rosy, tufting and button details.  Even more so, the proceeds would be such a blessing to the people who have journeyed through the disease of breast cancer!

Can you find room in your heart and home?  I’m sure you’ve got the perfect place!

If you’re interested in bringing “Baby” home, (my nickname for this precious piece), you can contact Marcy via the information, below:

Marcy Feld
Marketing Director
583 Pacific Street  Stamford  CT  06902
T   203 588 0567
F   203 588 0024

In honor of all of my breast friends! ~ Wanda

Christmas Countdown – Day 22

Gifts From The Heart

“It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it.” ~ Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

As the days grow closer to Christmas, there’s no doubt some of you may be out seeking last minute gifts at the malls or opting for next day shipping from online sites.  It’s so natural to want to show loved ones and friends how much they mean to you – especially at this time of the year!

In our family, a few years ago, we decided to opt out of some of the major gift buying and chose to look at making donations to charities, which seem to have an even greater need during the holiday season.  Everyone has one or more causes, which speak to their hearts, because of a close friend or  loved one’s personal experience. 

 

If it’s more of your custom to share a wrapped present with others, there are many ways to shop online, or in local shops, where they offer to send a portion of your purchases to your favorite charity.  In many cases, most of the proceeds will go directly to the organization.  (If you have concerns about making sure your money is wisely used, you can check it out on CharityNavigator.org.)

Here are some fun finds for folks on your list:

Cute little push-pins, from the American Heart Association.  Folks often forget stroke is a cardiovascular disease.  My family has a history so I’m more than interested in research and prevention!

 

Great habits can still include great food!  A heart healthy cookbook shows your loved ones you care!

Giving someone a “step up” into a new home means the world!  This folding step stool from Habitat for Humanity is under $20 and tucks out of the way.  For a shorty like me, it’s a must have!

 

A colorful set of flour sack towels are less than $10 and all proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association.

In our area, The Union County Christmas Bureau acts as a clearing house to assist families in need, during the holiday season.  They rely on donations of goods, money, and volunteer time to help distribute a Merry Christmas to over 2,000 applicants.  There is nothing like the face of a child when they receive an unexpected present!  That is the real gift of Christmas.

 

From my heart to yours – Merry Christmas! - Wanda

In the Pink – By Design

In most recent times, to say that one is “in the pink”, is often in reference to being in good health.  In the days of old, it came from the fox-hunting tradition where a rider had reached his pinnacle of achievement, in the hunt, and was allowed the privilege of wearing the red jacket, also called, “pinks”.  Some think the modern translation might have also come from the riders, who would have the flush of rose in their cheeks, after the exhilarating trek.  Tradition would have it, only the men should wear the “pinks” and women should wear a black or navy coat. 

Mmmm?  I wonder how such a thing came to be?  We tend to think of pink, (or it’s precursor of red), to be more of the feminine persuasion.  In fact, if you ask many men, they would run far away from the notion of wearing anything in any shade, tint, or form of pink – or – cringe at the notion of having any part of their home accented, swathed, or pinkly punctuated!  Even some women will also share it’s not a color they would fully embrace.

Unless, it’s to don one of these . . . . .

. . . Then any man, woman – or even child, who has had a loved one, friend, or close acquaintance experience the disease of breast cancer, seem to happily cloak themselves in this proud shade of pink, to share their support and love.  In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s time to get “in the pink”, as we celebrate the pinnacle achievements of the survivors, and cherish the memories of those who have passed on.

What’s your favorite tint or shade of pink?

Leave it to clothing designer, Betsy Johnson, to add her twist of whimsy to this palette!

And, by the way, she is also a breast cancer survivor.  Click on the page to read her story.

Stomp out breast cancer in style!

Let’s kiss it “goodbye”!

Let’s cheer on my high school friend, Teresa Worthy Howard, as she heads out for her third walk, as a survivor.

If you can – donate!

Let’s make sure more women can remain, “in the pink”, and don’t forget, men can get breast cancer, too.

All my best! ~ Wanda

. . . . .And just one more little inspiration board from my Facebook page:

“Over The Tabletop” – Eventful News

Back in January, my friend, Starr Miller, of Starr Miller Design, shared an opportunity to participate in a delightful event, aptly named, “Over the Tabletop”, as an assemblage of interior designers and other related specialists, were being asked to create a custom tablescape, for a benefit to assist the Ada Jenkins center.  The center, is located in Davidson, North Carolina, and offers the surrounding community, a wide variety of services, from education, support for families in crisis, healthcare, food and many other worthwhile endeavors.  Their mission is to “empower for a better tomorrow”.

(To listen to this video, about the Ada Jenkins Center, you can turn off my music by scrolling to the bottom of the blog page and click on the mute button in the Playlist box.)

My profession, as an interior designer, is to create beautiful surroundings for my clients.  My avocation, is to help others live a beautiful life.  When an event, like “Over the Tabletop” occurs, it allows for an overlap for the best of both worlds!

If you live in the Charlotte area, I do hope you’ll join me, on Thursday, March 11th, at 6:30 pm, to enjoy the view and to share in the joy.  Ticket information can be found, by clicking on Here 

While the real unveiling will be on that Thursday evening, the pictures, below, may give you a glimpse of what’s in store:

When considering the table decor, be sure to observe the surroundings.  This magnificent tapestry backdrop was honored in the centerpieces.  I love the little embedded firelights.

Elevating centerpieces not only give the tables an extra grandeur, it also allows guests to enjoy “face” time.

A sensual delight, this tablescape, was created by combining orchids, red callas, and reflective lighting.  (Colin Cowie)

The guru of special events, Preston Bailey, creates magic in all of his events.  His philosophy exudes, “more is more”.

     

Not to be totally secretive . . . my theme or inspiration for my table design, is based on William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.  A movie, made in the late ‘90’s, (as in 1999), with the lovely Michelle Pfeiffer, conjures up images of forests, fairies and fantasy.  I imagined a setting, fit for Hermia and Lysander, as they plan their elopement, and thus, the comedy begins.

I do hope you’ll join me, to share the dream of a better tomorrow, for others.

Cheerfully Yours!  Wanda 

A big thank you to those who have offered products and services for this event:

Whitney Preslar Bayer – Preslar Studios, David Wynn - Elizabeth House Flowers, and Maybelline Te' – Snug Furniture

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